I'm always skeptical of forwarded emails that warn you of potential danger. About 99% of those types of emails are false...created by some computer geek (and I can say that b/c I am one) that is bored and wants to see how many people he/she can scare.
That said, I was curious about this one since it has some truth. Usually, you can pick out a few words in the email and do a google search and all of the "Urban Legend" websites will appear showing that the email is a hoax. This one, however, never showed any hoax websites. So I went to snopes.com and did a search. Below is the link on what they have to say about it, and, surprisingly, they aren't too sure if it's real or not.
Thanks for sharing Kathy...it is something to think about.
~Elizabeth

Here is a link that might be useful: What Snopes has to say

Yes Elizabeth I am the same way regarding forwarde e-mails, but as I indicated the research I have found shows this to be possible (as does the snopes link) I have e-mailed Lowe's asking about this. I'll post when/if I hear anything.

This article only mentions contamination through movement of building materials. But I suppose if trees left on the ground too long was ground up for mulch .... Or if ground up mulch was left too long waiting to be distributed.

Looks like a good year for pine straw!

Here is a link that might be useful: Spreading termites

Sorry, I didn't read the Snopes page until afterwards. The link I gave is referenced in Snopes research too.

I do agree that this falls into the better safe than sorry category. But that doesn't mean that some unsuspecting person won't somehow get them transported into the state ANYWAY!

This is totally real. If you have ever lived in an area where Formosa termites have been discovered, you soon learn to panic. A large population of them was first discovered in Charleston, SC in the '60s, but they have found their way into many of the southern states, and even southern California, I think.

They thrive in living trees, which makes them a candidate for the mulch piles. THAT'S the primary problem, I believe.

Here is a link that might be useful: USDA information....YIKES!

still no reply from Lowe's but there appears to be a quarantine in place in LA regarding this matter.

Here is a link that might be useful: LSU Ag Center

I got the same email, as well as these links.


Click here: LSU AgCenter . Formosan Subterranean Termites Portal

http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/en/environment/insects/Termites/formosan_termites/

Walter Reeves says there's nothing to worry about in his latest email newsletter.
What he says makes sense, so I'll take his word for it. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: What Walter says...

I try to always go with Walter. He doesn't let me down often.

Here is a link that might be useful: More Info

Yeah, I saw Walter Reeve's email this morning and meant to add something to this post. It is a confirmed hoax!

Forgot to put what the email said, the link is to the full article.

"Termite Rumor:
Email is a wonderful thing...but rumors take on a life of their own when spread by email from person to person. You might have recently gotten a message regarding Formosan termites being spread in mulch from Louisiana. It is not true."
Walter Reeves email newsletter 03/09/06

That last sentence about it not being true was in bold type (which I can't figure put how to do on our forum. LOL!)

Thanks, I got Walter's e-mail today too. I guess I feel a little better.